A series of N-arylbromodifluoroacetimidoyl iodides and 1-alkynes were converted into alpha-imino alkynes by using Pd(Ph-3)(2)Cl-2/CuI as the catalyst under mild conditions. The reaction proceeded smoothly to give the coupling products in good to excellent yields. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.